Mamelodi Sundowns are just one game away from booking their place in the CAF Champions League semi-finals, as they gear up for a high-stakes second leg clash against Esperance de Tunis. The match is set to take place at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi on Tuesday.
Heading into this crucial encounter, the South African giants carry a slender advantage, courtesy of their 1–0 victory in the first leg played in Tshwane. Striker Peter Shalulile proved to be the difference-maker in that game, finding the back of the net to hand Masandawana a pivotal lead in the quarterfinal tie.
Read: Downs midfielder takes aim at CAF Champions League semi finals spot
In the opening leg, Esperance adopted a notably cautious game plan, appearing content to play for a stalemate before conceding Shalulile’s decisive goal. However, the Tunisian outfit is expected to throw caution to the wind in the return leg, employing an aggressive and attacking approach as they seek to overturn the deficit and secure their passage to the next round.
Sundowns, on the other hand, find themselves in an advantageous position. They require only a draw or victory to progress to the semi-finals, putting them in a strong position as they aim to continue their impressive campaign.
Despite the mounting pressure and the intensity of the occasion, Sundowns defender Grant Kekana remains calm and composed. The 32-year-old veteran has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness for the hostile environment they are likely to face in Tunisia, including the passionate home support of Esperance fans.
“We know what to expect. Our coach [Miguel Cardoso] has also briefed us, but we have also been in this competition for a number of years. So we know the hostility, but it is something we won’t focus on,” said Kekana.
“The win in the first leg was a confidence booster, we were able to see what they are about and what they wanted to come out with, they wanted to play in transition, but we managed to deal with them well and hopefully we can build on that going into Tunisia.”
More broadly, Kekana is undeterred by off-field distractions, such as reports of clashes between supporters of both clubs following the first leg, and he remains focused on ensuring his team delivers a solid performance on the pitch.
All eyes will be on the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi, as fans eagerly await the outcome of this decisive showdown. Kick off is set for 9pm on Tuesday, 08 April 2025.